White storks and other large birds face significant mortality from collisions with and electrocution on power lines, a conflict that engineering solutions can largely eliminate at modest cost.
Power line electrocution causes acute death or severe injury — birds that survive contact with live conductors suffer burns and often die from delayed injuries. The scale of mortality affecting raptors and storks, combined with the conservation significance of these species, creates a strong welfare and conservation case for infrastructure modification. The solutions are known, proven, and cost-effective relative to the value placed on these protected species. The barrier is regulatory requirement and utility company investment incentives. Environmental law protections for affected species have been among the most effective drivers of infrastructure improvement where implemented.